PA Workers Compensation Rates by Industry (2026 Guide)

Pennsylvania workers' compensation rates are driven by your class code's loss cost — the PCRB's actuarial estimate of injury costs per $100 of payroll for that industry. Below is a practical reference for the most common PA industries, using 2026 PCRB data effective April 1, 2026.

All premium estimates use: LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · 100/500/100 limits · $350 expense constant · 2.18% PA assessment. Your actual premium will vary based on your carrier's LCM and your experience modifier.

Why Rates Vary So Much

The difference between a loss cost of $0.09 (clerical) and $10+ (roofing) reflects real actuarial data: roofing workers file far more injury claims, and those claims tend to be more severe. The PCRB calculates these rates from Pennsylvania's actual claim history — they're not arbitrary.

For businesses that span multiple types of work, payroll allocation between codes is critical. A contractor who does both structural work and office management can allocate clerical payroll to Code 953, significantly reducing blended premium. This must be documented accurately — misallocation is a common audit finding.

Using This Data

The rates in this table are a starting point. Your actual premium will be affected by:

• Which carrier you choose (each files a different LCM)
• Your experience modifier (if you've had claims)
• Schedule rating credits from your underwriter
• Whether you're buying through the private market or SWIF

Use our full calculator to enter your specific class code, payroll, LCM, and EMR for a personalized 2026 estimate. Then get 3+ competitive quotes from licensed PA insurers to find your best rate.